My wife's XR has almost 140k on it now and overdue for struts. On Rockauto they offer 3 choices: Monroe, KYB and GM assemblies. Which one would you go with an why? Also, I was considering adding a strut tower brace while I was at it. Got any recommendations?

Thanks
hrod

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I've heard KYB is a good alternative to OEM struts. But for the most similar ride qualities to be retained I would stick with GM struts. And there are a couple options for strut tower braces, a GM brace and an aftermarket brace. I have installed the GMPP strut tower brace that is equipped on the Malibu SS. I went to my local GM dealer and ordered it with this Part #15286584. It may run you a little over $130-140.

I've seen the aftermarket braces, they are nice and cost a third less but I got the OEM GMPP brace for the OEM equipment factor.

For the strut tower bar I went with the one from Racingline Performance. It costs $80 + shipping I believe. It's worked great for me over the least 4 years. I installed my new struts in December. I went with the koni yellows following theshibbykumquat's how to on the g6performance forum. It was time consuming but not at all difficult and definitely worth it if you value performance suspension. I imagine I have the only aura with the koni yellows

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For the strut tower bar I went with the one from Racingline Performance. It costs $80 + shipping I believe. It's worked great for me over the least 4 years. I installed my new struts in December. I went with the koni yellows following theshibbykumquat's how to on the g6performance forum. It was time consuming but not at all difficult and definitely worth it if you value performance suspension. I imagine I have the only aura with the koni yellows

Thanks for the strut tower bar recommendation BaristAura. I went to their website and found some pretty bad reviews about the company though. Customers were complaining about slow deliveries or not getting product after paying for them. I contacted them to ask a couple of questions as it is not apparent how to order from them. They are in Canada and you have to call, I think. Anyway here is a link for their bar if others are interested:

Seems like G6 strut bars will work but there is a question as to whether they will rub the hood or not on a Aura.

As far as strut recommendations go, I should have mentioned that a new car ride is what I'm after, nothing lowered or firmer as this is a daily driver for my wife and I don't want rear wheel rub when loaded with rear passengers or cargo.

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My wife's XR has almost 140k on it now and overdue for struts. On Rockauto they offer 3 choices: Monroe, KYB, and GM assemblies. Which one would you go with an why? Also, I was considering adding a strut tower brace while I was at it. Got any recommendations?

Thanks
hrod

I have Monroe, I bought complete assemblies, I also have aftermarket rims and tires 45 so it feels different and therefore can't really compare Monroe feels just fine. I will change them again this year and will put the same ones Monroe 172xxx something.

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Thanks for the strut tower bar recommendation BaristAura. I went to their website and found some pretty bad reviews about the company though. Customers were complaining about slow deliveries or not getting product after paying for them. I contacted them to ask a couple of questions as it is not apparent how to order from them. They are in Canada and you have to call, I think. Anyway here is a link for their bar if others are interested:

Seems like G6 strut bars will work but there is a question as to whether they will rub the hood or not on a Aura.

As far as strut recommendations go, I should have mentioned that a new car ride is what I'm after, nothing lowered or firmer as this is a daily driver for my wife and I don't want rear wheel rub when loaded with rear passengers or cargo.

I ended up ordering KYB struts and shocks. Waiting for delivery now. I'll reply back when I have them installed. Still can't make up my mind on a strut brace. Seems like the only option is the GM one for a Malibu that some say rubs the hood and I don't want that. Any other ideas on a brace?

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I ended up ordering KYB struts and shocks. Waiting for delivery now. I'll reply back when I have them installed. Still can't make up my mind on a strut brace. Seems like the only option is the GM one for a Malibu that some say rubs the hood and I don't want that. Any other ideas on a brace?

I almost forgot to reply back after my repairs. I put a new power steering pump; KYB shocks and struts plus assemblies; new Bosch brake pads and rotors; and a Megan Racing strut tower brace. The strut tower is for a Pontiac G6 but I called them and they assured me it would fit an Aura without interference so I bought it on eBay for $85. I had to remove a grounding point on the drivers side strut tower but it fit well other than that. All ended well with no more PS whine or brake squeak. I tried to include a few photos but I guess the files are too large.

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I just installed one of these from Megan Racing, it was $85 delivered and bolted right up to my 2007 Aura XR-hood closes perfectly, and it is a nice looking bar. It is listed as being for a G6 but it has a hole for the negative ground strap that goes on the driver side strutt tower. Will see how it feels tomorrow, but fits perfectly.

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I just installed one of these from Megan Racing, it was $85 delivered and bolted right up to my 2007 Aura XR-hood closes perfectly, and it is a nice looking bar. It is listed as being for a G6 but it has a hole for the negative ground strap that goes on the driver side strutt tower. Will see how it feels tomorrow, but fits perfectly.

I've driven it for over a month now and can say it seems to have made a difference in my perception of the noises that I sometimes heard from the front end while driving over rough roads-it is quieter and feels more responsive too. To me, this made a noticeable improvement.

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